To establish a large, longitudinal collection of high quality samples and data from subjects with MS, selected other demyelinating diseases (Transverse Myelitis (TM), Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) or Devic's, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Optic Neuritis (ON)), and related and unrelated unaffected controls. Samples and data will be available as a shared resource to scientists researching the causes, sub-types, and biomarkers of MS and related demyelinating diseases.

age 18+ able to give informed consent or individuals younger than 18 with parental permission and able to give assent

willing to provide up to 110 ml (50 ml for < 18 years old) of blood via venipuncture

experienced at least one CNS demyelinating event characteristic of MS, TM, NMO, ADEM, or ON

Exclusion Criteria:

history of blood borne pathogens

allogeneic bone marrow transplant

clinical or radiological evidence of stroke, meningitis, or other well characterized diseases of the nervous system (with the exception of MS, TM, NMO, ADEM, or ON).

weight less than 37 pounds

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00445367